Frogs in Idaho: Idaho’s Interesting Frog Species

Are you an amphibian aficionado or just plain curious about the frogs that call Idaho home? Well, you’re in for a treat, because we’ve hopped through the research to bring you the ultimate guide to these fascinating creatures.

With 15 different species of frogs to be found throughout our beautiful state, there’s no shortage of captivating croakers just waiting to be discovered. And trust us, these species are as diverse as they are impressive!

So, let’s dive in and explore the fantastic world of Idaho’s frogs, from their curious habits to their wacky mating calls — we guarantee you’re in for some ribbit-ing discoveries!

#	Name	Details	Image
1	Rocky Mountain Tailed Frog (Ascaphus montanus)	Size: 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) Color & Pattern: Brown, gray, or green with darker mottling or spots Habitat: Cold, clear, rocky streams in mountainous regions Vocalizations: Males do not have vocalizations
2	Coastal Tailed Frog (Ascaphus truei)	Size: 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) Color & Pattern: Greenish-brown, gray or dark brown with small, irregular spots Habitat: Cold, fast-moving streams in forests Vocalizations: Males make feeble clicking noises
3	Boreal Chorus Frog (Pseudacris maculata)	Size: 0.8-1.6 inches (2-4 cm) Color & Pattern: Gray, brown or green with dark stripes on the back and sides Habitat: Marshes, grasslands, wet meadows Vocalizations: Series of ascending, short trills
4	Pacific Tree Frog (Pseudacris regilla)	Size: 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) Color & Pattern: Green, brown, or gray with a dark eye stripe Habitat: Woodlands, grasslands, wetlands Vocalizations: Distinctive “ribbit” call by males during breeding
5	Sierran Tree Frog (Pseudacris sierra)	Size: 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) Color & Pattern: Green, grey, or reddish-brown with dark irregular spots Habitat: Grasslands, woodlands, wetlands, near streams and ponds Vocalizations: Males emit a nasal, raspy “reek” or “krit” call during mating season
6	American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus)	Size: 3.5-6 inches (9-15 cm) Color & Pattern: Green to brown with dark spots and patterns Habitat: Ponds, lakes, marshes, slow-moving streams Vocalizations: Deep, low-pitched calls by males during breeding
7	Columbia Spotted Frog (Rana luteiventris)	Size: 1.5-4 inches (3.8-10 cm) Color & Pattern: Black, brown or green with irregularly shaped spots Habitat: Wetlands, streams, lakes, ponds Vocalizations: Low-pitched, rapid chuckling or clicking call by males during breeding
8	Northern Leopard Frog (Rana pipiens)	Size: 2.0-4.3 inches (5.1-11 cm) Color & Pattern: Green or brown with dark spots circled by a lighter border Habitat: Marshes, swamps, grasslands, wetlands Vocalizations: Snore-like call by males during breeding
9	Wood Frog (Rana sylvatica)	Size: 1.4-3.7 inches (3.5-7.6 cm) Color & Pattern: Tan or brown with dark mask around eyes and back leg stripe Habitat: Woodlands, bogs, swamps Vocalizations: Males make a duck-like quacking sound during breeding
10	Cascades Frog (Rana cascadae)	Size: 1.5-3 inches (4-7.6 cm) Color & Pattern: Brown or green with dark patches or spots Habitat: Mountain streams, ponds, wet meadows Vocalizations: Soft, short calls or chirps by males during breeding
11	Oregon Spotted Frog (Rana pretiosa)	Size: 1.5-4 inches (3.8-10 cm) Color & Pattern: Brown or green with black spots, dark mask over eyes Habitat: Wetlands, marshes, slow-moving streams Vocalizations: Low-pitched, distinctive series of rapid short calls by males during breeding
12	Northern Red-Legged Frog (Rana aurora)	Size: 1.5-3.5 inches (4-9 cm) Color & Pattern: Brown or reddish-brown with black markings; red or orange underside Habitat: Forests, marshes, wetlands, streams Vocalizations: Weak, low-pitched call by males during breeding
13	Great Basin Spadefoot Toad (Spea intermontana)	Size: 1.5-3 inches (3.8-7.6 cm) Color & Pattern: Green to brown with dark spots, light-colored stripe along spine Habitat: Sagebrush, grasslands, desert scrub Vocalizations: Males make low-pitched chirping noises during breeding
14	Western Toad (Bufo boreas)	Size: 3-5 inches (7.6-12.7 cm) Color & Pattern: Brown, gray, green, or olive with dark blotches; light dorsal stripe Habitat: Forests, meadows, wetlands, and grasslands Vocalizations: Low-pitched short trills by males during breeding
15	Woodhouse’s Toad (Anaxyrus woodhousii)	Size: 2-5 inches (5-12.7 cm) Color & Pattern: Gray, green, or brown with dark blotches, light-colored midline stripe Habitat: Grasslands, shrublands, forests, agricultural fields Vocalizations: Males produce a long, nasal trill during breeding season

Are The Frog Species in Nebraska Similar to Those Found in Idaho?

While some similarities exist, Nebraska’s climate and habitats differ from Idaho’s, which influences the species found in each state. Nebraska’s unique and diverse frog species have adapted to thrive in its more temperate environments, leading to distinct differences compared to the frog species commonly found in Idaho’s cooler, mountainous regions.

15 Frog Species You Can Find in Idaho

Get ready to dive deep into the lives of 15 incredible frog species that call Idaho their home, showcasing their unique adaptations and remarkable behaviors.

1. Rocky Mountain Tailed Frog

Often found hiding within the cascading waters of northern Idaho, Montana, and northeastern Washington is the enchanting Rocky Mountain Tailed Frog (Ascaphus montanus). Wrapped in a cloak of varying shades like brown, gray, or green with darker mottling or spots, these 1-2 inch beings are a tribute to the oldest frog lineage that dates back 150 million years ago.

Their fascinating features include the presence of a unique ‘tail’ that aids in sperm delivery and a special oral disc found only in tailed frog tadpoles, meant for grazing algae on rocks. These timeless creatures thrive in cold, clear, rocky streams of mountainous regions while sustaining themselves on aquatic insects, mayflies, stoneflies, and other small invertebrates. Stealthily laying their eggs under rocks within streambeds in Idaho, these frogs embody the essence of the wild, where males exercise silence, seemingly in reverence to the circles of life.

Presently, their conservation status is not under threat, and nature lovers can revel in the knowledge that the Rocky Mountain Tailed Frog continues to thrive in its pristine alpine homes. Secrets whispered by water currents carry the tales of these ancient beings, reminding us that nature’s history is etched in the smallest of its inhabitants.

2. Coastal Tailed Frog

Hailing from the mystical wetlands of Western North America, the petite Coastal Tailed Frog (Ascaphus truei) boasts an enchanting appearance. Bedecked in greenish-brown, gray, or dark brown hues, these 1-2 inch amphibians are adorned with small, irregular spots, cleverly camouflaging them amongst the cold, fast-moving woodland streams they call home.

Unlike their fellow frogs, male Coastal Tailed Frogs master the art of seduction with a soulful serenade of feeble clicking noises. Engaging in a delicate dance of external fertilization, males expertly clasp females and deposit their sperm onto newly-laid eggs, aided by their signature tail-like extension and Herculean forelimbs. Their taste for aquatic insects and small invertebrates fuels their vigor in the pursuit of love.

Despite their ancient lineage, dating back over 100 years – earning the title of the oldest known living frog species – the Coastal Tailed Frog’s ethereal presence is near threatened. Resolute in their resistance to time, these captivating creatures continue to inspire the conservation of their habitat to ensure they continue enchanting generations to come.

3. Boreal Chorus Frog

Hidden in the marshes, grasslands, and wet meadows of northwestern United States and Canada, the small creature with a big voice, the Boreal Chorus Frog, thrives. Although diminutive in size, measuring only 0.8-1.6 inches, their distinct colors and patterns of gray, brown, or green with dark stripes on the back and sides allow them to stand out in their environment. Pseudacris maculata, as they’re known in the scientific community, have an impressive ability to change their color for camouflage and are remarkable climbers.

Surviving primarily on small insects, spiders, and other invertebrates, these talented amphibians lay their eggs attached to vegetation in shallow water, filling the surrounding area with a series of ascending, short trills to establish their presence. Fascinatingly, these frogs have developed concentrated antifreeze proteins that allow them to endure freezing temperatures – a vital adaptation in their often chilly habitat.

Fortunately, the conservation status of this Idaho resident is deemed the least concern due to their versatile adaptations and stable population, ensuring these interesting creatures remain an essential part of their ecosystem.

4. Pacific Tree Frog

These petite amphibians measure a mere 1-2 inches long, and beautifully adorn themselves in shades of green, brown, or gray with a striking dark eye stripe. Agile and adaptable, they thrive in diverse habitats across western North America, from the lush forests of Alaska to the sunny shores of California.

The Pacific Tree Frog’s diet primarily consists of insects, spiders, and small invertebrates. They cherish their role as the “voice of the frog chorus,” and delight in serenading the environment during breeding season with their distinctive “ribbit” calls. When it’s time for reproduction, these fascinating creatures breed in aquatic habitats, laying eggs in clusters carefully attached to vegetation.

Despite their small size, Pacific Tree Frogs flaunt remarkable adaptability. They can change colors depending on their environment, expertly blending in with their surroundings. Adept climbers, they easily ascend trees and shrubs in search of food or safety. With a conservation status of “least concern,” these tiny, talented frogs continue to symbolize the enduring spirit of the American West’s wetlands.

5. Sierran Tree Frog

Measuring a tiny 1-2 inches, this minuscule master of disguise can change its color between green, grey, or reddish-brown and sports dark irregular spots, expertly blending into its surroundings. With an expansive range spanning California, Oregon, and Nevada, you can find these agile amphibians hopping around grasslands, woodlands, wetlands, and near streams and ponds.

These voracious little creatures feed on a varied diet, including insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates. As for their own life cycle, the Sierran Tree Frog lays its eggs singly or in modest groups submerged in shallow water. Males get quite vocal during the mating season, emitting a nasal, raspy “reek” or “krit” call, thanks to an expandable vocal sac.

Interestingly, Sierran Tree Frogs are quite the survivalists. Besides their adaptive color-changing abilities, they are also known to hibernate under logs or in rodent burrows. Currently, their conservation status is of least concern, which means these fascinating little frogs are thriving and continue to grace the western North American landscape with their presence.

6. American Bullfrog

Immerse yourself in the world of the American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus), a striking amphibian with a size ranging from 3.5 to 6 inches (9-15 cm). Adorned in a rich palette of green to brown, they exhibit dark spots and patterns which serve as excellent camouflage within their habitat. These aquatic creatures can leap and swim with grace and strength, due to their powerful legs.

Dwelling in the eastern and central United States, Canada, Mexico, and various regions around the world, they call ponds, lakes, marshes, and slow-moving streams their home. They satiate their hunger with a diverse diet of fish, crustaceans, insects, small mammals, birds, and other amphibians. The American Bullfrog is even known to be cannibalistic, predating on native species in introduced areas.

During breeding season, male Bullfrogs exclaim deep, low-pitched calls to attract mates, resulting in them laying their eggs in flat surfaces on the water for successful reproduction. Despite being a significant predator, their conservation status remains of least concern and they continue to thrive, showcasing their impressive adaptability. Delve deeper into the world of this fascinating amphibian, and uncover more about its unique quirks and captivating existence.

7. Columbia Spotted Frog

From Alaska to Nevada, you’ll find these small amphibians – ranging from 1.5 to 4 inches in size – leisurely residing in wetlands, streams, lakes, and ponds. Their diet primarily consists of aquatic insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates hiding in their watery abodes.

Males of this elusive species serenade their female counterparts with low-pitched, rapid chuckling or clicking calls during breeding. You’ll find their eggs in clusters attached to vegetation within the serene waters of quiet ponds. Keep an eye out for their astonishing explosive jumps for escape, and watch them gracefully swim using the webbing on their hind feet – natural adaptations serving their survival in aquatic habitats.

Did you notice a flash of red or orange on the frog’s belly? That’s a distinctive feature of the Columbia Spotted Frog. Not only visually striking, but these little frogs are also essential to our understanding of wetlands, as they serve as a habitat indicator species. Although their conservation status is currently “least concern,” let’s celebrate and protect these incredible, vibrant creatures and the vital habitats they call home.

8. Northern Leopard Frog

These captivating creatures are perfectly suited for life in marshes, swamps, grasslands, and wetlands, stretching from Alaska to New Mexico in North America. Their partially webbed hind feet allow them to swim gracefully, while their long, powerful legs support impressive jumping abilities.

With a main diet of insects, spiders, small crustaceans, and other invertebrates, these voracious eaters keep their habitats in Idaho lively. During breeding season, these frogs settle in shallow, well-vegetated freshwater habitats, and females lay eggs in clusters attached to vegetation. To attract a mate, male frogs serenade their companions with a unique, snore-like vocalization.

Remarkably, the Northern Leopard Frog is capable of surviving being frozen, an unparalleled adaptation contributing to their classification as “Least Concern” in conservation statuses. However, it is worth noting that habitat loss may lead to a decline in future populations. Overall, these fascinating frogs continue to enchant us with their beauty, resilient nature, and captivating behaviors.

9. Wood Frog

Meet the captivating Rana sylvatica, commonly known as the Wood Frog, a forest-dwelling amphibian with an exquisite flair for blending into its surroundings. Sporting a fashionable tan or brown, adorned with a dark mask around its eyes, and a sleek stripe on its back legs, this petite creature ranges from 1.4-3.7 inches in size (3.5-7.6 cm). Its range spans North America, from the bustling wilds of Alaska to New England, with southern settlers in northern Georgia.

A gourmand of small delicacies, the Wood Frog feasts on a varied menu consisting of insects, spiders, worms, slugs, and snails. Its breeding rituals take place in the serene freshwater habitats it calls home, laying its precious eggs in clusters that find attachment on submerged vegetation. The debonair males serenade potential mates with duck-like quacking during these amorous encounters.

The true pièce de résistance of this incredible species is their unparalleled ability to freeze and thaw, permitting survival in harsh, cold conditions. Amidst this extraordinary talent, the Wood Frog is not considered at risk with a conservation status deemed of least concern. The fascinating life of the Wood Frog unfolds with eggs hatching within mere weeks, showcasing their resilient nature and true wonder.

10. Cascades Frog

Meet Rana cascadae, commonly known as the Cascades Frog, a petite amphibian measuring only 1.5 to 3 inches in length. Adorned with a beautiful brown or green color and intriguing dark patches or spots, these captivating creatures inhabit the breathtaking landscapes of mountain streams, ponds, and wet meadows in the Northwestern United States, gracing the regions of California, Oregon, and Washington.

These tiny marvels have a voracious appetite for aquatic insects, beetles, snails, and small invertebrates. The amorous Cascades Frogs engage in aquatic courtship, with males displaying their charm through soft, short calls or chirps. They reproduce in their beloved water, laying their precious eggs amidst the sanctuary of submerged vegetation. Remarkably, these frogs that call Idaho their home possess freeze-tolerance adaptations and can hibernate underwater in oxygen-rich habitats.

Though classified as Near Threatened, the Cascades Frog serves as an invaluable indicator species, attuning us to the health of their ecosystems. Their sensitivity to temperature changes embodies nature’s whispers, signaling environmental shifts often unnoticed by the human world. These magnificent miniature beings merit our attention, admiration, and protection, teaching us the importance of preserving the delicate balance of our collective home.

11. Oregon Spotted Frog

Adorned in earthy shades of brown or green and accented with black spots and a mysterious dark mask over its eyes, this charming amphibian ranges from 1.5 to 4 inches in size. Its distinctive low-pitched serenade can be heard resonating throughout the lush wetlands, marshes, and slow-moving streams of the Pacific Northwest, from California all the way up to British Columbia.

A vital member of the aquatic ecosystem of Idaho, the Oregon Spotted Frog has a penchant for devouring aquatic insects and small invertebrates. These nimble jumpers exhibit remarkable adaptations to their environment, including the ability to tolerate low oxygen levels in water and strong leg muscles for making great leaps. When it comes to reproduction, Rana pretiosa stands out from its amphibious counterparts, laying its eggs in floating clumps earlier in spring and exclusively within permanent aquatic habitats.

Despite its incredible adaptability, the Oregon Spotted Frog’s existence now hangs in the balance, classified as at-risk and federally threatened in the United States. It is crucial that we safeguard these unique creatures and their habitats in the face of the many challenges threatening their survival. Habitat loss, invasive species, and pollution are just a few of the pressing dangers this species faces. Efforts to protect frogs in Oregon must prioritize restoring wetland ecosystems and implementing conservation programs. Only through collective action can we ensure a future where these fragile amphibians continue to thrive.

12. Northern Red-Legged Frog

Its size ranges between 1.5-3.5 inches and its exquisite brown or reddish-brown skin sports intricate black markings with a vibrant red or orange hue on the underside. In the wild, they inhabit forests, marshes, wetlands, and streams across western North America from Alaska to California.

A versatile creature, it feasts on an array of insects, spiders, small crustaceans, and aquatic invertebrates. During mating season, these critters breed in shallow, slow-moving waters where they lay large egg clusters, while males serenade with their weak, low-pitched calls. Superior swimmers, their well-developed toe webbing provides a remarkable advantage.

A sensitive soul with a near-threatened conservation status, the Northern Red-Legged Frog is an indicator species for ecosystem health as it is particularly sensitive to pollution and habitat loss. Their captivating existence provides a unique insight into the delicate balance of nature.

13. Great Basin Spadefoot Toad

Donning hues of green to brown, decorated with mysterious dark spots and an elegant light-colored stripe down its spine, this small creature measures just between 1.5-3 inches. Roaming the sagebrush, grasslands, and desert scrub landscapes of Idaho, this petite amphibian can be found spreading its charm throughout the southwestern expanses of Canada and the western US.

Always on the hunt for delicious insects, spiders, and small invertebrates, the Great Basin Spadefoot Toad knows how to survive. But once it’s time for reproduction, this little wonder seeks out temporary pools to lay its eggs, carefully attaching them to nearby vegetation. During the breeding season, males serenade their partners with low-pitched, harmonious chirping noises.

Possessing impressive adaptations, the Spea intermontana is well-equipped for its environment. Its hind feet showcase spade-like appendages for digging, and they can even secrete toxins to discourage predators. This extraordinary toad goes into aestivation during dry periods, shedding its skin in a unique “cocoon” during emergence. With a conservation status of “least concern”, it seems, for now, the enchanting Great Basin Spadefoot Toad is here to stay.

14. Western Toad

This small yet fascinating creature ranges from 3 to 5 inches in size, boasting a captivating palette of brown, gray, green, or olive hues, adorned with dark blotches and a striking light dorsal stripe. Their nocturnal nature adds a certain air of mystery, as they dig burrows and hibernate during the biting winter months.

Making their homes in forests, meadows, wetlands, and grasslands, these toads have claimed an extensive territory spanning western North America—from the frosty expanse of Alaska to the sun-soaked stretches of Mexico. Known for their carnivorous appetite, Western Toads feast on insects, spiders, worms, and other small invertebrates, ensuring a balanced ecosystem in their diverse habitats. The low-pitched short trills of males during breeding season prove they are nothing if not romantic.

These fascinating creatures have uniquely adapted to their environment; glands in their skin secrete a powerful toxin to ward off predators, and their ability to breed in ephemeral ponds showcases their resilience. However, Western Toads are currently considered near threatened, emphasizing the need for diligent conservation efforts. Their captivating story serves as a stark reminder for us to appreciate the beauty and complexity of the wild.

15. Woodhouse’s Toad

Anaxyrus woodhousii, commonly known as Woodhouse’s Toad, is a small and adaptable amphibian found throughout western North America – from the fields of southern Canada to the forests of northern Mexico. Measuring 2-5 inches in length, this friendly toad boasts a mottled gray, green, or brown appearance with dark blotches and a distinctive light-colored midline stripe down its back.

This resourceful creature thrives in a range of habitats, from grasslands and shrublands to forests and agricultural fields. They enjoy a hearty diet of insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates. During the breeding season, male Woodhouse’s toads serenade their potential mates with a long, nasal trill, laying their eggs in lengthy strings within temporary or permanent bodies of water.

The Woodhouse’s Toad is well adapted for survival, possessing parotoid glands that secrete a potent toxin called bufotoxin to deter predators. They are also adept burrowers, easily creating underground shelters. Although their conservation status is currently listed as “least concern,” their populations have been impacted by pesticide use. This versatile and resilient toad continues to play an essential role in our diverse North American ecosystems.

Nearby States:

• Frogs in Montana
• Frogs in Nevada

Final Words

In summary, Idaho boasts a remarkable array of 15 diverse frog species, displaying a kaleidoscope of colors, patterns, and unique adaptations. Embark on a fascinating journey through their habitats, appreciating their distinctive vocalizations, and uncover the secret lives of these magnificent amphibians that grace the state of Idaho.